Learn the best ways to prepare for your first time flying.

If you’re someone who hasn’t flown anywhere before, you might feel some hesitations about your first plane ride. Many people experience anxieties when they’re preparing to take a flight to new destinations around the world. Those with fears of flying might remain nervous about sitting inside a plane for an extended period of time. Others may not be afraid to fly, but still require some advice to help them prepare for the trip. Even if you’re excited to journey through the sky, you’ll probably want to receive a bit of flying guidance. Accordingly, we’ve created a list of ten tips for your first time flying. These items will assist you in your pre-flight preparations, so you can alleviate any possible travel worries. Check out our article below to discover our ultimate guide for first time flyers.

Things to Consider Before You Fly

Length of Flight

When you’re preparing to go on a flight, you should definitely consider how long you’ll be flying. The length of the flight can affect your flying experience, so you should prepare accordingly. For instance, longer flights will mean you may need to bring more items along with you. Things like items for sleeping, snacks, and other belongings might become necessary on a lengthy trip. At the same time, a quick flight will mean you don’t need to carry as many items. This ensures you won’t have to slug along an inordinate number of belongings on your plane ride. Similarly, if you know how long the flight will be, you can prepare by wearing the right gear. You’ll want to dress comfortably when sitting in one place for a significant amount of time. Thus, knowing the extent of the flight will assist you in preparing your belongings and travel gear. Travelers will find their first time flying experience much more enjoyable if they consider these factors.

Flight Regulations

Different airlines have differing regulations. As such, travelers should be aware of these varying rules before they embark on their flight. Your first time flying might bring a lot of uncertainties, including those concerning flight rules. This means travelers may want to learn all about their specific flight and the regulations for it. You’ll be able to rest easy when you know what you can and can’t do while on the plane. If you’re unsure how to pack lightly for a flight, staying aware of the flight’s rules will assist in that regard. Travelers can figure out the carry-on regulations for their plane and thus know exactly how to pack their belongings. Any rules about what you can’t bring along on the flight will also help travelers if they’re struggling to pack. Those who think they might get hungry may need to know what food they can bring along. Additionally, figuring out other luggage regulations will make it easier to board the flights when you get to the airport.

Weather

Before you board a flight, you should think about the kind of climates you will be traveling to and from. The types of weather you might encounter can affect how you react to your flight. Those preparing to have a first time flying experience may want to consider weather conditions before boarding. Travelers might be starting in a cold location, and end up in an extremely warm place. This means they’ll have to think about the clothes they wear while traveling. You’ll probably need to think about wearing layers that you can shed during your flight. Any travelers who often feel cold should bring warmer outer layers to wear if they get chilly on the plane. In a similar manner, those who might grow hot should wear clothes that feel breathable and airy. You’ll have a comfortable trip while flying if you consider the climates and your own personal travel needs.

Navigation

Once you board your flight, you won’t have to worry about knowing the exact directions taken by the plane. You can sit back and relax while enjoying your first time flying. However, before you can get on the plane, you’ll have to arrive at the airport and find your flight. Finding your way to the airport might be a first hurtle travelers must overcome. This means looking up the directions to the airport far in advance, as this will ensure you don’t get lost. Similarly, airports themselves can be extremely confusing. When you arrive, you might have no idea where to go in order to find your flight. In this manner, travelers may want to research how to navigate their designated airport. You can discover your particular boarding location and thus alleviate any concerns about making your flight in time. Information about the airport will also assist you in finding things like restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and souvenir shops. Overall, travelers can experience greater relaxation when they fly for the first time by researching navigation to and within airports.

Here are our top ten tips for your first time flying.

1. Double-check required travel documents

If you’re planning to fly for the first time, you’ll need to produce the necessary documents to travel by plane. Those leaving the country must retain a passport in order to leave the U.S. This means you’ll have to plan much in advance in order to have your passport prepared in time. Some travelers might have passports ready, but realize that the identification has expired. As such, you should make certain that your identification remains usable before flying. Additionally, things like driver’s licenses, plane tickets, and other forms of identification should all be accounted for. You don’t want to leave your house, only to arrive at the airport with a missing ticket. Accordingly, your first time flying will go smoothly if you double-check every necessary travel document.

2. Organize your luggage

Sometimes, packing bags before going on a journey can be a challenge. You might not know exactly what to bring, especially if you’re visiting a new location. Travelers might pack too much or too little when they have uncertainties about what to bring. Those embarking on their first flights will definitely want to organize luggage properly before arriving at airports. Since every flight has specific regulations about luggage, you’ll need to know how many items you can bring. Don’t overstuff your bags, or else you might have to pay extra in checked luggage fees. At the same time, certain airlines may allow you to bring one checked bag free of charge. Knowing the airline’s rules about luggage will help you organize your belongings according to flight standards.

3. Keep important items close

Since moving through airports can be a stressful activity, travelers should always keep specific items handy. Things like passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, and plane tickets remain essential belongings when flying. Thus, travelers will want to carry these items in an accessible spot. This will translate to diminished stress, as you won’t have to rifle through belongings to find necessary items. You’ll also be able to get through security and other lines more efficiently. In this manner, your first time flying can be a calm experience if you keep important belongings within reach.

4. Wear comfortable clothing

Flights can be long and uncomfortable. Travelers journeying halfway across the world may have to deal with flights that last for hours and hours. Those boarding flights with limited space might also experience greater levels of discomfort after sitting for short periods. Congruently, travelers should make their first time flying as comfortable as possible by wearing cozy clothing. Consider wearing stretchy, soft clothes, and bringing layers in case you get too cold or hot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that come off your feet easily as well.

5. Arrive a few hours early

Boarding a flight involves a lot of waiting around and worrying about getting to specific locations on time. Security lines may be lengthy, and delays or changes in departure times can occur randomly. For your first time flying, we recommend arriving at airports at least two hours before your scheduled flight. This ensures you’ll have enough time to get through security and reach your boarding location prior to your departure. In addition, arriving early means you’ll also remain up-to-date on any changes to departure times or locations. You can avoid running through the airport in a flurry by simply arriving earlier.

6. Pack noise-cancelling headphones

Those who haven’t flown before may not know the kinds of environments they might experience on planes. With many people all in one place, the plane can easily become noisy and overwhelming for some. This can prove frustrating or induce anxiety in those who need to calm down while getting ready to fly. Travelers hoping to accomplish work tasks or sleep may also find the noise disturbing. Planes themselves already produce their own level of noise as well. As such, travelers should definitely bring a pair of top-notch noise-cancelling headphones. If you have these devices, you’ll be able to calm down and accomplish whatever in-flight work goals you might have.

7. Bring some snacks

As mentioned previously, flights may last for many hours depending on your destination. This means that travelers will most likely grow hungry at some point during their journey. If you don’t purchase seats that provide multiple meals to passengers, you’ll have to bring your own sustenance. Even though you might have eaten before flying, you should carry a few snacks just in case. Your first time flying will not be as fun if you’re feeling hungry the entire time. Travelers should also know the kinds of foods airlines allow passengers to bring. Some airlines may not allow specific types of snacks, so be wary of those policies beforehand.  

8. Book a specific seat

Any travelers with a fear of flying may find it desirable to book a specific seat when buying plane tickets. Some may find aisle seats more comfortable, allowing them to feel secure in the middle of the plane. Others might remain at ease in a window seat, with views of the sky to calm them. A few might just like having control over where they sit, since finding a seat while boarding may be nerve-racking. If any of these scenarios applies to you, consider booking a specific seat before your first time flying. You can eliminate many anxieties about your in-flight experience by simply planning seating arrangements ahead of time.

9. Create a travel itinerary

This article previously discussed the difficulties of navigating to and within airports. Since travelers may have never been to a specific airport before, knowing directions to the location remains essential. At the same time, when you arrive at the airport, you might find yourself overwhelmed by layout and various sites. Airports can be extremely confusing to navigate, so creating a travel itinerary prior to arrival will alleviate those confusions. If you know exactly where to go, you won’t have to worry about arriving late anywhere. Your first time flying can be stress-free when you research how to navigate the airport.

10. Remain calm

Overall, your first time flying can be an overwhelming experience. Due to long airport security lines, confusing layouts, and noisy environments, you might feel extremely anxious when preparing to fly. Delays and changes in departure locations may cause you stress and worries about making your flight on time. Concerns about the flight itself could even keep you from enjoying your travel experience. However, traveling by plane can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. As such, travelers should remain calm when preparing to take a flight to a new destination. In the end, everything will work itself out, even if things don’t always go according to plan.

Enjoy a worry-free first time flying experience.

When you’re going to journey by plane for the first time, the travel experience can be a little nerve-racking. Most travelers will experience some pre-flight jitters due to the unknowns involved with flying. This can mean that those travelers may not get to enjoy their flights, as they might feel extremely anxious. However, if preparations can be made prior to taking a flight, travelers will feel more at ease when they travel. That’s why we’ve crafted a list of ten tips for first time flying. With our guide, you can learn everything you need to know in order to prepare for a flight. Instead of feeling nervous, travelers will remain calm and collected after learning various flying tips. Book a flight today and start a whole new adventure.

Related Article: 7 Best Earplugs for Sleeping During Your Flight